Fragmentation Data Analysis. I. Computer Program for Mass and Number Distributions and Effects of Errors on Mass Distributions

摘要

A computer program is presented which accepts data from a fragmentation test and calculates all the values necessary to plot seven fragment mass and number distribution graphs based on the conventional Mott and Payman Laws. Errors which can be introduced during the fragmentation experiments are considered in some detail by analysing their possible effects on the fragment mass distributions based on the Payman Law. Trends corresponding to particular error types are characterized and it is concluded that an allowance can be made for errors in many instances. An important finding is that a Payman distribution based on the original cylinder mass is least affected by the errors considered and is thus the method recommended for data analysis. (Author)